Graduate Certificate Program
The graduate certificate in global studies is designed for students to explore a global theme in tandem with a world region and language associated with that region. Students who complete the Global Studies certificate program will have an additional credential on their transcript noting their official demonstration of competency in global studies.
General Requirements
Specific Requirements
Global Concentrations
World Regions
Language
Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships (FLAS)
Courses
Capstone Research Paper
Global Studies Student Poster Session & Graduation Recognition
International Opportunties
Application
General Requirements
Certificate students receive interdisciplinary training concurrent with academic or professional degrees in a major field. In consultation with an academic advisor, students design an individualized program of study. Global Studies students choose one of the six concentrations and unite it with the study of a particular region and a language of that region. To ensure interdisciplinary learning, students take three courses in two departments other than their major. The certificate programs also encourage students to take advantage of the many international learning opportunities available at the University of Pittsburgh. Students are encouraged to enroll in a study or service abroad program or participate in an international internship.
Specific Requirements
- Four courses in a chosen global concentration
- Two courses in a chosen regional concentration
- Six semesters of University-level proficiency in a foreign language relevant to the region
- Capstone Paper uniting the student’s global and regional concentrations. The Capstone must be written as part of a course, with a faculty member. All students must consult with their Global Studies advisor regarding Capstone Paper requirements.
- Grades of B or better in relevant coursework including the Capstone Paper
- Total of three courses in two departments other than the student’s major (excluding language courses)
Global Concentrations
GSP promotes interdisciplinary and cross-cultural learning and research in six areas of concentration: changing identities in a global world; communication, technology, and society; conflict and conflict resolution; global economy and global governance;global health; and sustainable development.
World Regions
Students unite their study of a global concentration with a chosen region, such as Africa, East Asia, Latin America, Russia and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, or the Middle East. (See UCIS center website for appropriate regional classes.)
Language
Students must take six semesters in at least one language spoken in their chosen region or fulfill the language requirement by passing a proficiency examination. Click to view the regularly offered foreign language courses at the University of Pittsburgh (fall term / spring term).
Graduate Student FLAS Applications
Contingent upon U.S. Department of Education funding, GSP is pleased to announce the competition for Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships (FLAS) for the University of Pittsburgh 2010-2011 Academic Year. Fellowships are available for the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Hebrew,
Persian (Farsi), Portuguese,
Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu. The application deadline is February 15, 2010. For more information and an application, please click here.
Courses
Students should select applicable courses from the appropriate Global Studies course list and meet with the Global Studies academic advisor Elaine Linn for approval before registering. With careful planning, most students find they can satisfy certificate requirements.
Capstone Paper
The Capstone Research Paper provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and analytical skills relating to their specific global concentration and the world region they have selected to study, heightening the student's understanding of the link between global and regional issues, and of the relationship between the big picture and its sharper focus. The paper is a ‘capstone’ or culmination of your learning experience and should be submitted during the final year of study at Pitt. The paper must contain professor’s comments and letter grade, be a minimum of 10 pages in length, with at least 8 references cited and include a cover sheet that lists student name, Global Studies global and world region concentration, the course name and date of submission to Global Studies.
Global Studies Poster Session and Graduation Recognition
At this annual spring event graduating students (undergraduate and graduate) present a poster board that showcases their global studies experiences at Pitt, including classroom and co-curricular activities that helped shape their understanding of critical world issues. Click here for more information about poster board content and layout suggestions. At least two $250 cash awards are given for best poster boards, based on overall presentation as well as content. We also take this opportunity to celebrate our graduates and handout Global Studies certificates. Family, friends, and the university community are invited to this public event.
International Opportunities
Graduate students enrolled in the Global Studies Certificate program are encouraged to enroll in a study or service abroad program for the undergraduate Global Studies Certificate. The Study Abroad Office can help make these overseas opportunities more readily available. Scholarships are also available from the Nationality Rooms and other sources.
Visit GSP's Global Guide, a place to begin the search for scholarships for research and study abroad, volunteer and internship opportunities, and employment.
Application
To enroll in the program, please complete an application form, submit it to the Global Studies office, and schedule a session with our undergraduate advisor, Elaine Linn. Even if you are undecided about the certificate program, Elaine would be glad to help you explore the possibility.